Madison County Farms and Conservation District Host NYACD Tour

By Troy Bishopp – The Grass Whisperer, Madison County SWCD
On a picturesque fall afternoon, Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District Manager, Steve Lorraine led a tour of district directors and guests on a 2 hour tour of 3 dairy farms who are implementing water quality practices with a glimpse of cover crops growing and a history of the area reservoirs that feed New York’s canal system.

The first stop highlighted an ongoing lined-earthen manure storage and transfer system project for a 200-cow dairy farm.  The farm also utilized robots to milk the cows so they have more time for crop production and family.  The 2^nd farm was an organic 100% grass-fed operation nestled above the pristine Nelson Swamp which rotationally grazes 50 cows on 80 acres. Directors witnessed a covered barnyard project being built because of the barn’s close proximity to a watercourse.  The district was also installing a grass waterway leading into a water and sediment control basin.

The last farm was a CAFO dairy facility where Steve showed guests an elaborate silage leachate collection system with associated wetland cell treatment area.  A newly built manure storage facility for holding solids during inclement weather was also discussed.  Finally, the directors learned about the county’s cover crop planting efforts that saw 17 farmers utilize the equipment and staff to plant over 700 acres of rye and triticale on corn silage fields within the Upper Susquehanna River Watershed.

Guests enjoyed the relaxed, informative look at what happens on the land and the conservation decision-making and diverse funding that guide the water quality projects.  It also didn’t hurt, that the tour featured plenty of cold, delectable, chocolate milk for everyone to enjoy.  For any questions about the practices featured contact Madison County SWCD at:
(315) 824 – 9849